Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Jackson, TN: $29.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Jackson, TN runs $29.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,584 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Jackson, Tennessee, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $29.13, which falls short of the national median of $31.45. This figure significantly impacts the earnings potential for part-time athletic trainers, particularly those working three days a week, as well as per-diem trainers in diverse settings such as high schools, colleges, professional teams, and clinics. For those entering the field, the hourly rate starts around $22.16, while top earners can make up to $40.32 per hour, reflecting a wide pay range for both entry-level positions and experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting a nuanced view of compensation within Jackson's athletic training landscape.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.16 | $177.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.34 | $202.73 |
| Median (P50) | $29.13 | $233.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.93 | $279.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.32 | $322.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $29.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.13/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, TN can expect to earn approximately $60,588 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,955. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,165.16 | $5,049 | $60,588 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.10 | $3,029 | $36,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.06 | $2,020 | $24,235 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Jackson) | $29.13 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Jackson, TN earn a median of $60,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.39% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% above the Tennessee state average of $60,044.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.13/hr = $36,353/year (purchasing power: $39,600).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,588/year (purchasing power: $66,000).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Jackson grew 29.1% from $21.57/hr (2019) to $27.84/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.48/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Jackson
Examining the various employment models, part-time athletic trainers working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $45,501 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem or agency trainers, hourly earnings can vary dramatically; event coverage often pays between $200 and $500, while industrial athletic trainers in large facilities bill rates from $50 to $80 per hour. Hourly compensation also fluctuates based on the employer type, with secondary schools generally offering lower pay compared to the higher rates found in NCAA institutions and industrial settings like Toyota and FedEx. Trainers may find themselves weighing a higher hourly wage against benefits from full-time roles, such as health insurance. Negotiating a better compensation package can therefore depend on geographic and sectoral insights, making it crucial for those in Jackson, TN, to approach discussions with a clear understanding of market rates and potential trade-offs.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Jackson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov